Latest KFF Health News Stories
Calif. Health System Ends Pursuit Of Ore. Hospital Amid Community Concerns
A California health system formerly tied to the Roman Catholic Church has ended its bid to acquire a community hospital in Oregon amid concerns over access to abortion and assisted suicide services. Meanwhile, two of Michigan’s largest hospital groups are expected to announce plans Wednesday to pursue a merger.
Calif. Insurers Competing To Be Part Of State Health Insurance Exchange
More than 30 plans are expected to seek to be part of the exchange, or new marketplace. Meanwhile, a small business health coverage exchange in Massachusetts — a model for those called for by the health law in other states — struggles.
Study Compares Mortality Rates At Magnet And Non-Magnet Hospitals
Medscape reports on the new study, which is published online in in Medical Care.
New Track-And-Trace Proposal Would Combat Drug Counterfeiting, Gray Market
Politico Pro reports on a draft legislative proposal released last week.
Medicare News: Health Spending On Seniors Grew Faster In U.S. Than Canada
A new study finds that U.S. spending grew nearly three times faster since 1980 than Canada’s spending on a similar population group.
NYU Hospital Loses Power And Evacuates 215 Patients During Storm
Industry officials described the failure of the backup generator at the Manhattan medical center as an unusual incident, not a warning of systemic flaws in hospital preparedness plans.
A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.
Swing State Highlights: Ohio’s Provisional Ballots; Sandy’s Impact On Voting
KHN’s Sarah Barr samples campaign news coverage each week from swing states to see how health policy developments, and other political issues, are playing.
First Edition: October 31, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including that latest about how health policies are playing on the campaign trail as well as how Mega-Storm Sandy took its toll on New York hospitals.
The health care world prepped for Hurricane Sandy by moving patients and shutting down offices.
High Turnout Projected For Tight Presidential Race
A new Pew Research Center poll finds the race between President Barack Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney “dead even,” although a Battleground tracking poll gives a slight edge to Obama in swing states. Meanwhile, as Obama focused on Mega-Storm Sandy, former President Bill Clinton carried the campaign message to Florida, highlighting key parts of the health law.
Health Policy Rhetoric, Issues Prominent In Congressional Races, Other State Contests
House and Senate races heat up in Colorado, Nevada and Washington state, but health policy issues are touching a number of other contests too, including governors’ races, state ballot initiatives and elections for state representatives.
Report: Medicare Prescription Drug Prices Remain Stable
USA Today notes that a new report finds Medicare drug prices did not increase since the health law’s “doughnut hole” changes kicked in.
ACP Urges Use Of Performance Measures Targeting ‘Low-Value Services’
The American College of Physicians released a position paper Monday pressing for “valid, evidence-based measures” as a means of raising physician awareness and changing clinician behavior.
Health Law’s Exchange Rules, Consumer Protections Under The Microscope
USA Today reports that state officials worry about the amount of federal guidance provided regarding state-based health exchanges. Meanwhile, KHN talks with a consumer advocate, who is concerned that state rules will affect implementation of the health law.
Fla. Suspends Compounding Pharmacy As Report Slams Lax Oversight
The fallout from a deadly meningitis outbreak continues as Florida suspends operations at one compounding pharmacy, while a report finds state oversight of the facilities lacking.
State Roundup: SCOTUS Won’t Hear Okla. ‘Personhood’ Case
A selection of health policy stories from Oklahoma, Vermont, New Jersey, California, Wisconsin, Louisiana and Kansas.
A selection of opinions and editorials from around the country.
Dartmouth Atlas: Big Differences In How Academic Med Centers Train Residents
A report from the Dartmouth Atlas Project found significant variations in intensity of end-of-life care, surgical procedure rates, patient-reported experience, patient safety and quality of care.
First Edition: October 30, 2012
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including reports about the campaign landscape as well as issues related to the implementation of the health law.
